Novelist and teacher Peter Bacho believes everybody has a story to tell. The Filipino American recalls his own humble beginnings, growing up poor in Seattle’s Central District in the 1950s. A juris doctorate, masters degree and two award-winning novels later, Bacho is now being honored as a pioneer who paved the way for Asian Americans in literature.
His self-professed passion is investigating the plight of his people. “I have a great empathy for folks that are hustling to make it,” he said. “Who must always knock down barriers of class and race, and this is reflected in my work.”
Meet Peter Bacho on Oct. 11 at China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle. He is one of Northwest Asian Weekly’s nine honorees for the Asian American Pioneer Dinner. Tickets are $75. For more information or to register, please e-mail rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.